With a killer combination of German delights, gourmet coffee and stunning desserts; Peaberry & Pretzel looks set to enter the dining scene with both style and substance. Located in Sunset Way, one of the hippest dining spots at the moment, the hype surrounding the eatery and its vicinity is unmistakable. Nestled within the serenity of the HDB heartland and tucked away behind green foliage; the location is charming in a uniquely Singaporean way, but still quite unlike anything else on our sunny little island.

• The Vibe
  Although the interior is notably small, accommodating 14 at most, the illusion of space is created with the liberal use of mirrors. While the dark brown and raw flooring used seem rather masculine, a good dose of femininity is injected with the tasteful use of floral motifs on the windows and lamps; providing a nice balance to its overall feel. The al fresco deck does look enticing, but probably only during dinner, as it is definitely too hot during lunch due to a lack of shade. The bistro looks like it belongs to a more stylish address, like Ann Siang Hill for example, but the contrast with its location adds to its appeal.

• The Food
  The menu at Peaberry & Pretzel is rather Continental with a distinct German influence, evident with their specialties of pork knuckles and gourmet sausages. While the selection on the menu is rather limited, the quality of the ingredients used is remarkably good, a winning concept indeed.

  A recommended starter will be the Goulash ($8); an eclectic mix of beef cubes, diced vegetables and mushrooms in a tomato broth, best enjoyed with the complimentary bread. While the serving might look small, it is quite substantial with hearty servings of beef and vegetables, though the beef was a little dry.

  True to its German influence, the mains come in considerable portions, which might prove to be overwhelming for people with small appetites. This is exemplified with their Hunter's Schnitzel ($18), comprising of a huge serving of breaded chicken, creamed mushrooms and potato salad. Creamy with sizable chunks of potato, the salad definitely stole the limelight from the fried chicken, which was quite ordinary. Another recommendation will be the Vintner's Platter ($32), which serves two. Lightly grilled, the selection of sausages was enjoyable, with the cheese sausage being quite outstanding. The cold cuts like salami and parma ham were sliced thinly, thus contrasting the sausages with its light and subtle flavour. While the sauerkraut served was quite different and not as enjoyable, the pickles were surprisingly good. Do ask for some dill mustard as they go extremely well with the meats.

  Make sure you leave some space for desserts or you are bound to regret it. Sculpted like dainty pieces of art, the selection of desserts is not limited to the menu but includes distinctive creations displayed in their specially designed cooler. A definite winner will be the Tiramisu ($8) served in a glass bowl. Suitably chilled, the common Italian mix of mascarpone cheese, rum and sponge fingers is transformed magically into a gastronomical delight- delectable, without being overly sweet. Available in smaller servings are desserts such as the Passion Fruit Mousse ($6) and Black Forest with Cherry Kirsh ($6). The mousse is refreshingly light with a subtle hint of the fruit, but did not go too well with the chocolate-covered toppings. With an infallible combination of cherries and luscious chocolate, the Black Forest certainly overshadows the former.

  If you are a caffeine-addict, do order yourself some freshly-brewed coffee to go along with the desserts. The brews here at Peaberry and Pretzel are a treat indeed. With prices comparable to those you find at coffee franchises, the quality you get with their Cappucino ($5) and Latte ($5) is truly value-for-money. Try the refreshing Italian Soda ($5.50) if caffeine is not quite your thing. Of the various flavours available, the passion fruit comes highly recommended, especially on a hot day.

• The Service
  The service came across as rather inexperienced, probably due to the fact that the eatery is still fairly new.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Peaberry & Pretzel
While the food at Peaberry & Pretzel is not much to shout about, their desserts and coffee are truly worth the trip. With a perfect location for the dainty afternoon tea or to while away the evening, it will definitely attract people from the idyllic HDB heartland and beyond. Like its eponymous peaberry, a coffee cherry that does not split, resulting in very concentrated flavour and aroma; the bistro certainly packs a lot of punch for its size.